Role of human rights defenders emphasised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 28 2018: Centre for Research & Advocacy, Manipur; Human Rights Initiative and Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights in Manipur jointly organised a State level meet on protection of human rights defenders at Manipur Press Club today.

Speaking at the function, O Nonokishore, secretary of Centre for Social Development (CSD) said that human rights defenders are increasingly targeted for striving for human rights and repeal of draconian laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 .

He mentioned that human rights defenders and their organisations are threatened for highlighting human rights violations in the State.

He contended that Government of India through its law enforcing agencies, armed forces and the intelligence units unleased series of threats and intimidates.

Yambem Laba, ex-member of Manipur Human Rights Commission said that Manipur experienced human rights violations due to the application of AFSPA therefore the Commission should be activated to promote human rights in the State.

Ph Deban Sharma, president of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) said that human rights defenders were arbitrarily arrested and detained under the National Security Act, 1980 and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.He claimed that the Government has failed to repeal AFSPA.

Ahongsangbam Mobi, president of Editors Guild Manipur emphasised on the role and importance of human rights defenders in armed conflict afflicted States like Manipur.

He said that the main role of human rights defenders is to end human rights violations and seek justice for the victims.

Aram Pamei, convenor of Peace Core Team, Manipur insisted on recognising indigenous people's rights over their land and resources.

Pamei Tingenlung, convenor of Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur said that human rights defenders striving for defense of land ad natural resources, especially those standing against oil exploration and mega dam construction are harassed by armed forces.

Phulindro Konsam, convenor of Committee on Human Rights said that those human rights defenders in armed conflict prone States like Manipur are subjected to rnultiple violations due to promulgation of multiple security laws.

The Geneva conventions are violated in the State.

The Vienna convention on human rights should be upheld, he said.

The participants adopted resolutions to recognise the importance and legitimacy of the works of human rights defenders and ensure their protection and allow them to work without fear of harassment, torture and deprivation of rights to life.

They also resolved to urge the Government of India to fully implement the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Margaret Saggakya during her visit to India in February 2011.They further demanded the GoI to establish a policy for the protection of human rights defenders of the State in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, 1998.The GoI should ratify all human rights conventions, especially the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol and fulfil its International human rights obligations and implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007, they demanded.

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